Consider Every Part Of Your Home To Maximize Savings On Cooling And Heating
Posted on: 31 July 2014
When it comes to saving money on your heating and cooling costs, nothing works better than taking on a 'whole-house' approach to your energy use. Every part of your home offers potential for savings, from your roof to your floors. Here are some ways you can not only reduce your energy consumption in your home, but also increase your energy production, by paying close attention to every part of your home.
Roof
If it's time to replace your roof, there are certainly many energy friendly roofing options available. Metal roofs that direct the hot rays of the sun can reduce the temperature of your roof by up to 100 degrees F. This reduction of heat equates to less work for your air conditioning system, since there is less heat pulled into your home from this type of roof.
Ceilings
A simple ceiling fan can also help in almost any room of the house. During warmer summer months, switching the ceiling fan to a counterclockwise rotation will lift warm air and push cooler air back down. It can also be used to cool a room without using the air conditioner, at least on mildly warm days.
During colder winter months, switch the rotation of the blades back to a clockwise motion to pull warm air down and circulate it throughout the room. Look for a switch on the side of the fan to change the direction of the blades.
If you really want to maximize your fan's energy efficiency, be sure to only use energy efficient lighting in the fan itself, or leave the lights off and just use lamps. Also, switch the fan off when you leave the room to conserve electricity.
Doors And Windows
What seems like a harmless draft in your door or window can equate to a lot of extra work for your heating and cooling systems. Seal up any drafts to relieve strain on your heating or air conditioning, and never try to leave your windows open when your heat or air is on. You don't want to let more hot or cold air in for your system to try and bring to a comfortable temperature.
Floors
The type of flooring you choose can have an effect on your energy use, too. Carpet can make a floor feel warmer, but it deteriorates with time and can actually put a slight strain on your HVAC system as trapped dust particles find their way into your ductwork. Hardwood floors are easier to keep clean and don't attract as many allergens or dust particles as carpet, but they can feel cold underfoot in the winter.
One solution to the flooring dilemma is the installation of radiant floor heaters under hardwood floors. This method of heating can also save money by distributing the heat more evenly or supplement the heat in traditional air ducts.
Heat And Air Systems
Whichever method you use to heat and cool your home, without proper maintenance and care, you may as well be throwing away money. Both heating and cooling systems rely on the movement of air to remain efficient, and if you don't check your air filters regularly, you could be putting a serious strain on your system. Check your filters every month, and replace them when they start to look dirty. Most are fairly inexpensive, and the cost of new filters can be a lot less expensive than the increase in your heating and cooling costs.
Look for every opportunity to save money on your heating and cooling costs, in every room of your home. Small changes, such as switching the direction of ceiling fans and changing air filters, can really add up to big savings, so take these small steps to keep your house comfy for less, all year long.
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